We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Misty West. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Misty below.

Misty, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I wasn’t sure what I specifically wanted to be, I just knew I was following one hunch after another, learning different areas of performance. I realize now it was all preparing me for acting. The first time I realized I wanted to pursue a more creative profession was in high school. While I had plenty of academic work on my plate, being in several IB and AP classes, it was the arts that captured my attention. I was first involved in music and band, which eventually led me to dance. It was during college while I was earning my degree in dance where I first discovered acting. Through various connections in college, acting led me to working in production. Exploring all these different art forms has kept me constantly learning, and I loved it. Ultimately, my experiences have helped me grow into the person I am today, helping me understand the human experience in different and interesting ways. The path of the artist isn’t easy, but there was no way for me NOT to pursue it. No path lit up for me as much as this way of the artist, and I’m grateful; I have grown so much as a person, and I think creativity is more important for the growth of society than many people realize.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My artistic journey has been a little bit all over the place, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I started music in elementary school, on a mini 2-octave keyboard. In 6th grade, I started playing clarinet in band, eventually making regional and All-State in high school, and earning 5th chair in the state my senior year! A little later than most girls, I started dancing in high school as well, working hard to make company my junior and senior year. Come college, I was torn between which to focus on, eventually deciding to major in dance (although I still played clarinet in bands on the side).

As a dance major, I took my first acting class to supplement my dance performance, and realized how truly in-the-moment it forces you to become. I was initially captured by this and wanted to learn more, but with my plate already full as it was, it would be a few years before I finally decided to… act on it.

During that time I also began learning production in theatre. I learned all facets of production, and it opened me up to other possibilities and perspectives on the craft of live performance. I ultimately worked most in lighting and stage management, and started working freelance for a few years post-graduation, which led me to working at Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona. I worked there for several years while I took voice lessons, became involved in a dance company, and choreographed other musical theatre shows. While working in production included many long days and was quite stressful at times, I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and learned so much from the people around me. I highly advise anyone interested the arts to learn as many aspects of whatever craft you’re involved in. Experience can only help.

In 2017, I decided it was time for a more dedicated learning experience in acting, and started researching potential schools/conservatories. One kept coming back to me: The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. In 2018, within about one week’s time, I applied and was accepted, quit all my jobs, packed up my car and moved to Los Angeles.

I learned a great deal at that school; through the craft of acting, I was opened up further to myself. I learned many different techniques and approaches, studying Hagen, Stanislavski, Meisner, and more- all instrumental in discovering the tools that work best for me. I graduated top of my class in 2020, and was honored as the female recipient of the Charles Jehlinger Award for excellence and professionalism in acting. I attribute so much of my experience at AADA to the many great teachers at that school, each providing a different, yet supplementary perspective on the craft.

Since graduating, while the industry was rocked by the pandemic and the myriad of labor movements, I have spent my time building up my portfolio, taking workshops and working in live theatre, and meeting as many other passionate artists as I can. My learning journey is not over, nor will it ever will be, and I’m eager to discover who I evolve into next because of it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part is the level of personal growth, individually and collectively. I have felt it myself, as each project teaches me something new or deeper about myself. Art becomes an extension of the artist, and has the power to show others a different perspective that could help them in their own life- even subconsciously. Music has the powerful ability to completely alter your mood and emotions. Dance is an extension of the human spirit, a visual form of music. Acting is raw and uncertain, the human experience channeled through an emotional vulnerability, helping teach empathy to those who experience it. By taking on the character’s struggle, we help audiences explore a new visceral emotional place, and can shape their outlook on life itself. Acting helps us connect with each other, to grow… At the very least, it’s a lovely distraction from the stresses of every day life. :)

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Go see art. Watch dance, go to music concerts of all kinds, see a play or musical- open yourself up to the infinite artistic perspectives. We all have different views, and it only behooves us to be open to each other. I think we need that now more than ever.

You might walk away a changed person, with a newfound perspective for your own life, or you may walk away completely unaffected (or honestly anywhere in between)- but at least you were a part of something bigger than yourself. Your presence alone is a reflection back unto the art itself. I think a world without art would be a sad, disconnected, hopeless world. Art connects us as humans. It forces us to grow, and help each other become better.

So I say, make it an adventure to try something new! Encourage creativity in everyone, no matter how large or small the act of creation. You never know what might blossom from the smallest spark of inspiration. Sometimes we all need that extra encouragement from others to help it grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themistywest.com
• Instagram: @mistyryus
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-misty-west-

Image Credits

Casey James photographer for the headshots- Instagram: @studiocaseyjames